Maharashtra vets enable Shikra with broken wing to fly again

Human-animal coexistence is necessary and highlighting this the story of an injured Shikra bird which has returned to the wild following a remarkable recovery after four months, thanks to the tireless efforts of a group of veterinarians.

Last October an adult Shikra was found badly wounded by the Maharashtra Forest Department officials inside a storage room of a residence in Junnar town. They rushed it for medical assistance to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre run by them along with Wildlife SOS.

The bird’s right wing was found to be broken in the X-ray reports and the vets were determined to help it with all possible treatment. Eventually, months of extensive care paid off and the Shikra made a complete recovery.

Sharing details about the bird’s recovery, Dr Chandan Sawane, Veterinary Officer, Wildlife SOS said: “We continuously monitored the bird and observed its gradual recovery. We stabilised the fractured wing using bandages and provided pain medication along with vitamin and mineral supplements to aid the healing process.”

With the bird making steady progress, it was moved to an aviary so that it could practise taking flight. To release it, the NGO had to locate a safe place so along with the Forest Department a suitable habitat was identified where it would not face any immediate threat from other animals. On being released, the Shikra immediately spread its wings and flew.

A bird of prey the Shikra is a small goshawk which measures between 25 and 45 cm in length and weighs 100 to 200 grams. The females are heavier, ranging from 130 to 260 grams.

They play a vital role in an ecosystem as they feed on lizards, small mammals, frogs, small birds and insects.